All posts tagged ‘musical toys’

Even a kid who loves R2-D2 and The Avengers as much as mine does occasionally veers away from the decidedly geeky toy aisles. And as she develops a different type of geek passion for music, the new Lalaloopsy Harmony B Sharp doll has become a new favorite.

Lalaloopsy dolls are a modern retake on the classic ragdoll, with the story that each one magically comes to life when its last stitch is sewn. They each have a personality and a pet. Since the original launch in 2010 (when they were called Bitty Buttons), the Lalaloopsy line has expanded to smaller characters, videos, and games. Harmony is one of the most recent friend to join the Lalaloopsy world.

In keeping with the rag doll idea, Lalaloopsy’s life and personality are related to the fabric of their clothes. Harmony’s story is that she was made from the cloth of a singer’s dress, and that’s why she loves to be on stage singing and dancing. Her pet is a rattling cat–her “purr-cussion” instrument. Her “birthday” (aka “sewn-on day”) is March 27, which is International Theater Day.

Harmony has a button in the middle of her chest that’s where you interact with her. My seven-year-old has no trouble pushing it, but sometimes my three-year-old needs help pressing the right spot since it’s hidden under her dress. When you press the button, Harmony comes to life. She comes with six interchangeable pigtails that determine what she sings when you press the button. When you attach her to the stage, she will also “dance”–she’s a rag doll, so “dancing” is more like wiggling, dangling legs. She can also twist a bit and move her arms.

Pros and cons (mostly pros!)

The pigtails come with a carrying bag so there’s less of a chance of finding pigtails strewn about your house.

She has an automatic sleep mode to keep from murdering the four AA batteries too quickly.

She doesn’t have a volume range, but she’s also not excessively loud. The interactions are brief, so even a highly distracted child won’t leave a singing Harmony behind for long.

Small hands may need help attaching her to the stage or changing out hair pieces, although we’ve found it gets easier as she’s played with more.

Harmony is sweet to play with and sweet to look at, since she’s easily left attached to her stand on a shelf. She’s interactive and encourages musicality–even if your singing isn’t always perfect. (Harmony herself messes up from time to time!) Overall, she’s a big win, and I highly recommend her for your little ones who love to sing.